Alina Ali grew up in Dubai and has spent the last ten years watching the UAE's fashion and lifestyle scene transform into one of the most dynamic in the world. As a writer, she was documenting UAE sneaker culture, high fashion, and luxury lifestyle before most outlets realised it was worth covering. She joined What's Hot in UAE as Fashion, Lifestyle & Sneaker Culture Writer after years of running her own fashion blog and building a following among Dubai's style community. Her network includes boutique owners, brand representatives, stylists and resellers across the UAE — which means her release guides, stockist lists, and fashion coverage are sourced from people with actual access, not copied from brand press kits. Alina covers everything from Nike and Jordan regional exclusives to high fashion, couture, luxury brands, beauty, and the UAE's homegrown streetwear labels making noise internationally. Lifestyle at What's Hot in UAE is her domain — and that means anything fashion, from the runway to the street. She is based in Dubai Marina and collects Air Maxes. Follow Alina's work on Muck Rack , Substack , Vocal , and Medium .
Dior, the globally celebrated French fashion house, has been synonymous with luxury, elegance, and innovation since its inception in 1946. Founded by Christian Dior, the brand revolutionised women’s fashion in the post-war era with its iconic “New Look”. This redefined femininity and brought a fresh vision to haute couture. Over the decades, Dior has evolved…
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Get ready to fall in love with sneakers this season! Jordan Brand is kicking off February in style with the release of the Air Jordan 3 “Valentine’s Day”, a women’s exclusive dropping on February 1st, 2025. Initially expected to debut on February 5th, this highly anticipated release brings a fresh, luxurious touch to the iconic…
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Since parting ways with adidas, Ye (formerly Kanye West) has taken Yeezy fully independent — and the BL-01 “Bullys” is one of the results. Stripped-back, moulded and sold direct to consumers, it is a very different proposition from the old adidas Yeezy machine. Here is what the Yeezy BL-01 is, and how it works for…
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adidas, renowned for revolutionising the footwear industry, is at it again with the introduction of its latest innovation—the adidas ZPONGE. Following the monumental success of BOOST and 4D technologies, the Three Stripes is breaking new ground with a midsole inspired by the biology of sea sponges. This leading design promises to redefine comfort and performance…
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Dubai’s luxury malls have become more than just shopping destinations; they are immersive art and fashion hubs. These hubs merge high fashion with stunning artistic displays. This fusion creates a unique shopping experience, offering visitors a lively and sensory feast. From innovative digital art spaces to high-fashion collaborations, Dubai is redefining the intersection of art…
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In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a new wave of female sneaker enthusiasts, or sneakerheads, is shaking up a traditionally male-dominated industry. These women are redefining sneaker culture. They are proving that style and passion for kicks know no gender boundaries. By challenging stereotypes and carving out their space in the sneaker community, they are…
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Dubai runs on newness — but some of the smartest luxury shopping in the city happens on the resale rail. Wardrobes here turn over fast, the climate keeps leather and hardware in good condition, and a steady flow of visitors and residents means authenticated pre-owned Chanel, Hermès and Rolex land on shelves at a pace…
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The sneaker market has never been more dynamic—or more treacherous. As the demand for exclusive, limited-edition sneakers reaches unprecedented levels, counterfeiters have stepped up their game, creating fakes that can be difficult to spot even for seasoned collectors. For sneakerheads, owning a pair of authentic kicks isn’t just about style—it’s about investing in a piece…
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The UAE is no longer just a place to buy global luxury — it makes its own. A generation of Emirati and UAE-based designers is now dressing celebrities, redefining the abaya and building homegrown labels with genuine international pull. Here are ten to know in 2026, what they do, and where to shop them. 10…
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As 2024 comes to a close, sneaker enthusiasts are already looking ahead to the exciting lineup of releases in 2025. Among the most anticipated drops is the Air Jordan 5 “Year of the Snake”. This edition is a key addition to Jordan Brand’s annual Zodiac-inspired collection. This first in-hand look offers a tantalising preview. It…
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Rolex is, without question, the most influential and recognisable watchmaker in the world. The Crown produces the market’s most iconic timepieces, setting trends that the entire industry inevitably follows. Ranking the top ten Rolex watches might seem a daunting task. After all, how can you choose a definitive winner when the brand has consistently delivered…
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Victor Wembanyama might now be basketball’s “Alien,” but Steph Curry’s otherworldly skills redefined the sport long before. Known for his jaw-dropping 40-foot three-pointers and gravity-defying shots, Curry’s unmatched talent reshaped the game entirely. As the Golden State Warriors ignite their 2024-25 season with a blazing start, the Baby-Faced Assassin seems ready to spearhead their journey…
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